July 10, 1885 proved to be one of the darkest days in New Hampshire history, as the great landslide tumbled down from the north slopes of Cherry Mountain in Jefferson. The great Cherry Mountain Slide (or Owl’s Head Slide from the name of the sub-peak which it scarred) left death and destruction in its wake. But human curiosity also turned into a major tourist attraction of the time.

The Stanley Family is pictured here at their farm in 1885 prior to the slide. The house and barn, which stood in the direct path of the slide, were destroyed. Patriarch Oscar Stanley survived, but lost in the destruction were all of his animals along with farmhand Don Walker.
Robert N. Dennis collection of stereoscopic views/Wikimedia Commons
The torrential rains that touched off the slide carried mud, rocks, and trees downhill for two miles. This was one of the most significant disasters in the history of the White Mountains.
Robert N. Dennis collection of stereoscopic views/Wikimedia Commons
In the aftermath of the event, the site of the Cherry Mountain Slide became a major tourist destination. Excursion trains were run so visitors from all over could see the destruction first-hand.
Robert N. Dennis collection of stereoscopic views/Wikimedia Commons

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Early trampers climbed the slopes of Owl's Head to get a better perspective on the slide's track. From this vantage point it was very clear just how far the debris had traveled into the valley.
Littleton View Co./Wikimedia Commons
Instead of ascending to the summit and ledges of Owl's Head via the track of the old slide, hikers can now get there via Owl's Head Trail. The upper section of this trail is very steep and for many years followed a portion of the route of the slide before it was relocated.
Ken MacGray/Flickr
At the parking area for the current Owl's Head Trail is a New Hampshire state historical marker that commemorates the events of that fateful day in 1885.
Ken MacGray/Flickr

The site of the Cherry Mountain Slide memorial marker is located at the parking area for Owl’s Head Trail along Route 115 in Jefferson, New Hampshire. This is 5.6 miles north of U.S. Route 3 in Twin Mountain and 3.9 miles south of U.S. Route 2 in Jefferson.

For looks back at other disasters in the Granite State, read about one of the worst train wrecks ever and a massive flood that happened in 2006.

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Owls Head Trailhead, Jefferson, NH 03583, USA